Kuala lumpur: Thailand and Cambodia have reached an agreement for an 'immediate' and 'unconditional' ceasefire effective from midnight local time, 1700GMT on Monday, following five days of intense border fighting. The announcement was made by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim after he facilitated peace talks between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai in Kuala Lumpur.
According to Anadolu Agency, the recent conflict along the border, which began last week, has resulted in numerous casualties, including soldiers, on both sides of the disputed territory. An official meeting between Thai and Cambodian military commanders is scheduled for early Tuesday to discuss further actions.
Officials from the US and China were also present at Monday's meeting. Anwar, who is also the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), emphasized that the ceasefire is a 'vital first step towards de-escalation and restoration of peace and security.' The defense and foreign ministers of Cambodia, Thailand, and Malaysia will collaborate to develop a mechanism for the implementation and verification of the ceasefire to ensure 'sustained peace and accountability.'
Anwar added that this mechanism will lay the groundwork for lasting peace and pledged Malaysia's readiness to coordinate an observer team to verify and ensure the ceasefire's implementation. He mentioned that Malaysia plans to consult with other ASEAN members to support peace efforts on the ground.
In addition to agreeing on direct communication between the prime ministers, Anwar announced that Thailand and Cambodia will convene a General Border Committee meeting on Aug. 4, to be hosted by Phnom Penh. The Kuala Lumpur meeting highlighted the shared commitment of Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand to uphold international law, peaceful coexistence, and multilateral cooperation in seeking a just and lasting resolution to the conflict.
The ongoing border dispute between Cambodia's Preah Vihear province and Thailand's northeastern Ubon Ratchathani province saw renewed tensions since May 28, following the death of a Cambodian soldier. The situation escalated in recent weeks, leading to cross-border airstrikes and rocket fire since last Thursday, resulting in multiple fatalities. The clashes have also displaced tens of hundreds of people along both sides of the border.